procedures

Neuroradiology

Neuroradiology is the medical subspecialty that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of brain, spinal cord, head and neck, and vascular lesions using x-rays, magnetic fields, radio waves, and ultrasound. These forms of energy are harnessed with machines such as the CT (CAT) scanner, magnetic resonance (MR) scanner, and ultrasound machines.

MR Angiography of the brain, neck, and dural sinuses

Angiography is a minimally invasive treatment medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. In magnetic resonance (MR) angiography, a powerful magnetic field, radio waves and a computer produce the detailed images. MR angiography may be performed with or without contrast material. If needed, the contrast material is usually injected using a vein in the arm.

CT of the head, neck and spine

CT scanning, sometimes called CAT scanning, is a noninvasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. CT imaging combines special x-ray equipment with sophisticated computers to produce multiple images or pictures of the inside of the body. These cross-sectional images of the area being studied can then be examined on a computer monitor or printed.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound of the brain, spine, neck, and thyroid.

Ultrasound and CT guided biopsies of the head, neck, spine.

Discograms

Involves the injection of a special contrast dye into a spinal disc thought to be causing low back pain. The dye outlines the damaged areas on x-rays taken following the injection.

Cerebral angiograms

An imaging study depicting blood vessels in the brain. In a conventional angiogram, a dye is injected into the bloodstream and x-rays are taken to visualize the blood vessels. In other instances, CT or MRI can be used to create three-dimensional pictures of blood vessels.

Carotid angiograms

An imaging study depicting the major blood vessels running through either side of the neck. In a conventional angiogram, a dye is injected into the bloodstream and x-rays are taken to visualize the blood vessels. In other instances, CT or MRI can be used to create three-dimensional pictures of blood vessels.

Nerve Root blocks and Epidural injections

The administration of medication into the epidural space, the area which surrounds the spinal. It is used to treat swelling, pain, and inflammation associated with neurological conditions that affect nerve roots, such as a herniated disk. Spinal injections are usually performed using a live x-ray (fluoroscopy) for guidance.

Myelograms

In this procedure, the contrast dye is injected into the spinal canal, allowing spinal cord and nerve compression caused by herniated discs or fractures to be seen on an x-ray.

Fluoroscopy guided lumbar punctures

Fluoroscopy is a study of moving body structures. It’s similar to an x-ray "movie." A continuous x-ray beam is passed through the body part being examined, and is transmitted to a TV-like monitor so that the body part and its motion can be seen in detail.

Vertebroplasty

A minimally invasive procedure for vertebral compression fractures (VCF), which are fractures in vertebra, the small bones that make up the spinal column. Physicians use image guidance to inject a special cement mixture through a hollow needle into the fractured bone.

Discography